Federal, State and Nonprofit Partnership that includes MEDEP Awards $1.2 Million For Conservation Projects

Contact: CONTACT: Jessamine Logan, DEP Director of Communications, jessamine.logan@maine.gov / (207) 287-5842

AUGUSTA ? More than $1.2 million will help public and non-profit groups restore and protect high priority wetlands and other natural resources across Maine.

The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program ? which is administered by The Nature Conservancy in collaboration with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ? announced awards totaling more than $1.2 million to help restore, enhance or preserve wetlands and other important habitats at 12 project sites around the state.

The program provides flexibility for both regulators and the regulated community to choose a fee in lieu of more time-intensive traditional mitigation options. These so-called In Lieu Fees are collected by the Maine DEP and then transferred to the Natural Resource Conservation Fund at The Nature Conservancy.

?I?m excited that this announcement marks the fifth year that the Maine DEP, The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have come together and done great things for Maine?s natural and economic environments. By providing in lieu fees as a mitigation option for developers, we are able to support important environmental enhancements in areas susceptible to development,? said Commissioner Patricia Aho of the Maine DEP. ?This collaboration between regulators and developers reflects our mission to steward our environment and natural resources and ensure a strong and sustainable economy.?

?Five years since this important program began, we?re starting to seeing progress toward conserving Maine?s aquatic resources,? said Alex Mas, who manages the program for The Nature Conservancy in Maine. ?Traditional mitigation projects can often be scattered, small or poorly located; this program allows us to focus wetland mitigation funds in high priority areas to help ensure they continue to provide important benefits for people and for wildlife into the future.

"This program results in outstanding projects to protect and improve aquatic resources throughout Maine. At the same time it provides the regulated public and regulatory agencies a streamlined process to obtain compensatory mitigation for a wide variety of authorized projects," said Colonel Charles Samaris, Commander of the New England District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "I am extremely proud of the collaborative work by federal, state, and non-profit agencies to solicit high quality projects, review them in detail, and make difficult choices to best employ the appropriate and meaningful grants available through the program."

This is the fifth round of awards from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program to advance important land and water conservation around the State:

In Central Maine, the Atlantic Salmon Federation will use $62,000 toward restoring sea-run alewives and other migratory fish to Souadabscook Stream in the Penobscot River watershed by building a fishway on an impassable town owned dam currently blocking the stream. In the Midcoast, with $107,000, the Damariscotta River Association will purchase a 97 acres of a forested tract that connects the Bureau of Public Land?s Dodge Point preserve with the Maine Department of Inland and Fisheries Wildlife Sherman Marsh Wildlife Management Area. This will represent the first significant connection between the Sheepscot and Damariscotta Rivers corridors. In Southern Maine, $136,000 will be used by the Loon Echo Land Trust to purchase and permanently protect approximately 150 acres on the shoreline of Perley Pond and the Northwest River in Sebago.
In the Midcoast, the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust will use $199,5000 to protect an 86 acre property in Georgetown, which is a valuable and critical parcel to the protection of the Morse Pond area. The property connects 325 acres of other KELT properties and creates a new connection between them and Reid State Park. Other 2013 award recipients include: Great Works Regional Land Trust, Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Western Foothills Land Trust.

For more information about the Maine Natural Resource Conservation program, visit http://mnrcp.org/.

-END-

Maine DEP Announces Increased Grant Funding for Upcoming Waste Division Grants

May 19, 2025

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting grant proposals aimed at supporting the development, implementation or improvement of programs, initiatives or activities designed to increase the diversion of solid waste from disposal. To bolster waste reduction efforts, the Department is combining Rounds I and II with double the overall grant amount ($250,000) and has raised the amount per grant to $50,000 to allow for an extra round of Organics grants, which will be announced in late August.

In the first round of Organics grant awards for 2025, the Department funded seven waste diversion grant projects across Maine with a total of $262,998.64 in awards. Awarded entities included six projects to increase food scrap recovery, diversion, and composting activities in the Eastern, Central, and Southern Maine area, along with one project to help a Southern Maine College manage its food scraps by purchasing and installing a mid-sized anaerobic digestion unit.

All interested municipalities, regional associations and Maine businesses are encouraged to apply. The Department anticipates awarding a total of approximately $250,000 with awards for accepted proposals ranging from $1,000 up to $50,000, with preference given to proposals that:

Take advantage of regional economies of scale, Increase organics management and recycling infrastructure in underserved areas of the state, Promote waste reduction through reuse, repair and sharing economic initiatives and programs, Address a statewide need, and/or Expand the types of materials managed through composting and recycling. In addition, in accordance with 38 MRSA 2201-B. Maine Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program, the Department shall give highest priority in the awarding of funds under this section to programs, projects, initiatives, or activities proposed by municipal or regional association applicants.

Application details on the RFP #202406116 - "Waste Diversion Grants Program" are available on-line at Request for Proposals, Maine DEP. Proposals must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on June 13, 2025.

A copy of the RFP, as well as the Question & Answer Summary and all amendments related to this RFP, can be obtained at the Maine DAFS Procurement webpage.

Grant applicants are encouraged to review the following video presentation entitled, Introduction to Maine's Waste Diversion Grant Program: Online Meeting which provides vital information about the program and answers many frequently asked questions.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP Issues Air Quality Alert: What You Need to Know for June 4-5

June 3, 2025

Ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG) level according to Air Quality Meteorologists at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Ozone is expected to reach USG levels along the coast from Kittery through Acadia National Park on both Wednesday and Thursday. The Downeast Coastal, Western Interior, and Eastern Interior regions are expected to reach Moderate levels. Ozone has been building over the Mid-Atlantic region on Tuesday, with this airmass projected to move over Southern New England and into Maine on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Particle Pollution is expected to be Moderate statewide on Wednesday due to wildfire smoke entering the region.

On Thursday, weather conditions are expected to remain consistent, and currently, Air Quality Forecasters are not expecting pollutants to move out of the Maine area. USG levels of ozone are expected for the Southwest and Mid-Coastal regions with the Downeast Coast, Western Interior, and Eastern Interior remaining Moderate. For particle pollution, the entire state of Maine is expected to remain in the Moderate range since smoke can be slow to clean out. However, please check the website Thursday morning for the finalized forecast.

At elevated ozone levels, children, the elderly and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity
  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine Department of Environmental Protection Issues Air Quality Alert for June 6

June 6, 2025

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG) level according to air quality meteorologists at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to move into the Northern Maine region with hourly monitored values of particle pollution in the USG range on Friday morning. With light winds forecasted, these higher values are expected to linger throughout the day. The remainder of Maine is projected to remain in the Moderate range. Meanwhile, ozone is expected to reach the Moderate range for the Southwest and Mid-Coastal regions and Good for the remainder of the state.

On Saturday, weather conditions are expected to remain consistent, and currently, air quality forecasters are not expecting wildfire smoke to move out of the Maine area. The entire state of Maine is expected to remain in the Moderate range for particle pollution since smoke can be slow to clean out. Ozone is expected to be in the Good range statewide. However, please check the website Saturday morning for the finalized forecast.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of elevated particle pollution levels include:

  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
  • Close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
  • If you have asthma, keep your quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP to Host Informational Meeting on Proposed Herbicide Treatment for Sokokis Pond

June 6, 2025

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is applying for a permit to apply herbicide in order to control the invasive aquatic plant brittle naiad (Najas minor) in Sokokis pond, also known as Holland pond in Limerick, Maine.

The Department will hold an in-person public information meeting regarding the proposed herbicide treatment on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Limerick Municipal Center, 55 Washington Street in Limerick Maine. The meeting will be recorded by the Town of Limerick.

The treatment is part of a five-year aquatic invasive species management plan for the lake. The treatment goal is to prevent its spread in Sokokis and to other waters by eradicating this plant population. If eradication is not possible, the objective is to significantly diminish the brittle naiad in Sokokis to reduce the risk of spreading and allow future management with non-chemical control methods.

If the permit is granted, herbicide treatment will take place in targeted areas of Sokokis pond during the second half of July 2025.

Canadian Wildfire Smoke to Impact Maine's Air Quality on June 7 & 8

June 7, 2025

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to continue in the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG) level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to move into the Northern Maine region with hourly monitored values of particle pollution in the USG range for the remainder of Saturday. With light winds forecasted, these higher values are expected to linger throughout the day. The remainder of Maine is projected to remain in the Moderate range. Meanwhile, ozone is expected to reach the Moderate range for the Southwest and Mid-Coastal regions and Good for the remainder of the state.

On Sunday, weather conditions are expected to remain consistent, and currently, air quality forecasters are not expecting wildfire smoke to move out of the Maine area. The Northern & Western Mountains regions are expected to be in the USG range. While the remainder of the state is expected to remain in the Moderate range for particle pollution since smoke can be slow to clean out. Ozone is expected to be in the Good range statewide.

On Monday easterly winds may push smoke westward and out of Maine. However, another plume may move down from Labrador and could impact Maine. Currently the forecast is Moderate statewide for particle pollution. The public is urged to check the DEP website later in the day as the forecast is expected to be revised late Sunday afternoon.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of elevated particle pollution levels include:

  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
  • Close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
  • If you have asthma, keep your quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Air Quality Alert Issued for the Southwest Coast of Maine Amid Canadian Wildfires

June 9, 2025

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to be in the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG) level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Sunday, USG levels of particle pollution were recorded in the Southwest Coastal area. This morning, levels continue in the USG range. While levels may drop during the day, another plume of wildfire smoke is expected to move in from the east. This is a portion of the plume from the western Canadian wildfires that broke off over Newfoundland and Labrador. It has now moved south of Nova Scotia. Easterly winds are expected to push this plume toward the Maine & New Hampshire coast with the leading edge reaching the shoreline this afternoon.

Currently, smoke is expected to move out on Tuesday. DEP will continue to monitor the situation and update Tuesdays forecast this afternoon.

Smoke may return in the coming days as wildfires continue to burn across Canada.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of elevated particle pollution levels include:

  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
  • Close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
  • If you have asthma, keep your quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Exemption for Polystyrene Foam Food Containers Prepackaged at Wholesale Extended until 2027

June 12, 2025

A new law will go into effect immediately that extends the exemption from the ban on polystyrene foam food containers to allow raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs to be sold in polystyrene foam containers until July 1, 2027. It also extends the exemption to allow retailers to sell food or beverages in or on disposable food service containers composed of polystyrene foam that is prepackaged at wholesale until July 1, 2027.
This law does not make any change to the ban on polystyrene foam disposable food service containers for take-out foods, bakery products, and leftovers from partially consumed meals that is currently in effect. Disposable food service containers are service ware designed for one-time use, and include bowls, plates, trays, carton, cups, lids sleeves, or other items for containing, transporting, and serving foods. Additional information regarding the polystyrene ban can be found on the Department's Polystyrene Foam webpage.

A "frequently asked questions" guidance sheet has been prepared by the Department to provide additional information regarding who and what must comply with the ban can be found on the Departments web page at the link above.

This change in the law only extends the exemption. After July 1, 2027, all food and beverage products sold in Maine, including food prepackaged out of State by wholesalers for retail sale, cannot be packaged in polystyrene foam.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Northern Maine on July 15

July 15, 2025

Update:

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG) level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

This morning, a dense portion of the smoke plume moved into northern Maine. This plume is expected to linger in the Northern region into Wednesday, with less dense smoke impacting the remainder of the state. Thus, Particle Pollution levels are expected to be in the USG range for the Northern region and Moderate for the remainder of the state. Also on Wednesday, Ozone is expected to be Moderate for the entire coast, Good for inland regions and USG for the High Elevations of Acadia National Park.

By Thursday, the densest portion of the smoke plume should finally move out of Maine, though Moderate levels of Particle Pollution are still likely for most of the state. We cant rule out some hours of Ozone buildup, but storms have the potential to keep ozone levels in the Good range. Thursdays forecast will be updated Wednesday afternoon.

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)' level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

This morning, USG levels of particle pollution are being reported in the Northern region of Maine due to wildfire smoke. Particle pollution values averaged in the USG range just west of Maine in Quebec yesterday. Hourly values in Quebec continue to be in the USG range this morning. Smoke is expected to continue moving into Maine from Quebec as westerly winds become prevalent this afternoon. The remainder of the state is expected to reach the Moderate range.

Currently, the dense portion of the plume should move out on Wednesday, but the smoke is not projected to leave Maine until Thursday. The entire state of Maine is expected to remain in the Moderate range for particle pollution on Wednesday and Thursday. Air quality meteorologists will monitor the situation and update Wednesdays forecast this afternoon.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

DEP has Issued an Air Quality Alert for Maine This Weekend

July 26, 2025

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations have reached the 'Unhealthy' level in the western half of Maine and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups level in the Eastern Interior, Mid-Coast and Downeast Coastal regions according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Overnight, a plume of smoke from wildfires in Canada moved into Maine. It came in much denser than anticipated and particle pollution levels are running in the Unhealthy range for these areas: all of Oxford, Franklin, Androscoggin & Kennebec counties, the southern 2/3 of Somerset County, inland York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc & Lincoln Counties and a narrow band of 1 to 2 towns wide along the coast from Kittery through Reid State Park. In addition, particle pollution levels are running in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range for these areas: Inland Knox, Waldo & Hancock Counties, the southern half of Penobscot and the middle portion of Washington County, a band of coastal towns 2-3 wide from Southport through Gouldsboro and a band of coastal towns 4 wide from Steuben through Eastport.

The smoke plume is expected to continue to move southward during the day and particle pollution levels are expected to decrease during the day, but smoke can be tough to clean out, so air quality will continue to be a health concern for the day especially in the western regions.

On Sunday we are currently expecting the 24-hour average to be Moderate statewide. However, some hours could be higher as that plume wraps around and moves back into Maine. This will be a concern for Augustas Iron Man event. If the forecast for Sunday changes when more information is available Saturday afternoon, a second press release will be issued.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

DEP Issues Extension of Air Quality Alert Until Sunday, July 27

July 26, 2025

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection on Sunday.

The plume of smoke that moved into Maine overnight Friday into Saturday is expected to wrap around and re-enter Maine on Sunday. Given the expected path and the movement of the densest portion of the plume, the forecast is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups for the Southwest Coastal, Western Interior, and Eastern Interior regions. These regions cover the following areas: a narrow band the width of one to two towns along the coast from Kittery through Reid State Park; Inland York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and Lincoln counties, and all of Androscoggin and Kennebec counties; Inland Knox, Waldo and Hancock counties, the southern half of Penobscot, and the middle portion of Washington County. The less dense portions of the plume also will impact other areas of Maine to a lesser extent so the forecast for the remainder of the state is Moderate.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Impact of Canadian Wildfire Smoke on Air Quality Anticipated in Areas of Maine

August 3, 2025

Today ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach 'Unhealthy levels in the Northern region and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in the Western Mountains and Western Interior regions' according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

A plume of smoke from wildfires in Canada moved into Maine on Saturday. On Sunday a dense portion of the plume is expected to reach the ground in the Northern region: including all of Piscataquis & Aroostook counties, the northern 1/3 of Somerset, the northern half of Penobscot County and the northern half of Washington County.

A moderately dense portion of the plume is expected to impact the western regions: including all of Oxford and Franklin counties and the southern 2/3 of Somerset County; inland portions of York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and Lincoln counties; and all of Androscoggin and Kennebec counties. Onshore winds develop during the day keeping the remainder of the state from rising above the Moderate range.

The plume is expected to begin to move south through Maine on Monday. Some pockets of moderately dense smoke are possible. It is not likely to clear out of Maine before late Tuesday. There may be a need to extend the alert or add some additional areas so please check the air quality forecast page for the latest updates.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Southwest Coastal Region of Maine

August 12, 2025

Ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Ozone is now expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category this afternoon in the Southwest Coastal region which includes: the width of 1 to 2 towns wide along the coast from Kittery through Reid State Park. At the same time particle pollution levels are continuing to run in the Moderate range due to wildfire smoke lingering in New England.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Wednesday, August 13

August 13, 2025

Ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' level on Wednesday according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Ozone values in the rest of New England have been high for days. Ozone moved further into Maine overnight than expected. As yesterdays ozone plume moves on during the morning hours, ozone values are expected to decrease; however, more ozone is expected to move in and form over the Gulf of Maine today. The entire coast as well as both the Western and Eastern Interior regions are now likely to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. These areas include: all of York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Waldo, Hancock, and Washington counties and the southern half of Penobscot County.

In addition, the Western Mountains & Northern regions are Moderate for ozone. Therefore, all other counties not mentioned above are Moderate for ozone. Meanwhile the entire state is Moderate for particle pollution.

At this time, we believe the alert is for today, but if situations change rapidly another alert could be in effect tomorrow, so please check the Air Quality Forecast webpage tomorrow morning.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, older adults, those who work outdoors, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP Takes Further Action Against Mallinckrodt US LLC/Medtronic for Compliance Issues

October 22, 2025

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a second Notice of Violation (NOV) to Mallinckrodt US LLC/Medtronic related to the lack of meaningful progress remediating the former chloralkali manufacturing facility located along the Penobscot River in Orrington, Maine. Historic operations at that site resulted in a significant amount of contamination to the surrounding soils, groundwaters, and neighboring river. The first NOV was issued by DEP on March 19, 2025.

The DEP has pursued the site's cleanup since 2008 and, under DEP oversight, progress has been achieved remediating the area. In 2008, the DEP issued an Order requiring remediation of all soil contaminated with mercury, chloropicrin, and other contaminants, removal of the industrial sewer, and establishment of financial assurance mechanisms. This was affirmed in the Board of Environmental Protection's (BEP) 2010 Order. However, large areas of soil contaminated by mercury and chloropicrin above the site-specific standard established by order of the Board of Environmental Protection for the protection of public health, safety, and the environment remain on the site unremediated. The industrial sewer has yet to be removed, and Mallinckrodt has failed to establish the required financial assurance mechanism.

Mallinckrodt's response to the DEP's March 19, 2025 NOV was deemed insufficient by the DEP to satisfy the Orders' clear requirements. In accordance with Maine law and this Department's orders, the DEP expects that Mallinckrodt will immediately resume efforts to accomplish site remediation.

The Notice of Violation is available on the DEP Mallinckrodt webpage.

New Restrictions on Mercury-Containing Fluorescent Light Bulbs in Maine

January 21, 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, consumers and retailers in Maine will no longer be allowed to sell or distribute mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs. This decision follows the enactment of a ban by the Maine Legislature in 2023, aimed at reducing mercury pollution and protecting public health and the environment.

This legislation prohibits offering for sale, selling, or distributing as a new manufactured product any compact fluorescent mercury-containing light bulb or linear fluorescent mercury-containing light bulb. The ban affects a variety of lighting products, including but not limited to linear fluorescent mercury-containing light bulbs, compact fluorescent mercury-containing light bulbs, as well as black light, high-intensity discharge, ultraviolet, and neon mercury-containing light bulbs.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) urges consumers and retailers to review the details of this new ban. For further information, including answers to frequently asked questions about the effected products, please visit the DEP's website: Recycling Mercury-added Fluorescent and other Lamps, Waste Management, Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

To report concerns or complaints about noncompliance, individuals can contact Courtney Hafner, Environmental Specialist at the Maine DEP, by phone at (207) 314-3354 or via email at courtney.hafner@maine.gov.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP Unveils Findings from Statewide Waste Characterization Study

February 3, 2026

Wetland restoration and improvement projects receive $4.6 million in funding

February 10, 2026

Maine DEP Kicks Off 2026 Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program

February 25, 2026